Democracy corrupted

Corruption has hurt our democracy, economy and daily lives in many ways. So why should we worry about the impact on democracy when corrupt politicians face legal action?

I agree with you that our polity and more importantly, the vengeful nature of our political class has made it commonplace for the party in power to target the Opposition. But to cleanse our system, why don’t governments in Bengal, Karnataka, Punjab and Kerala also target corrupt BJP politicians and take action against them? I want the system to be clean and if the BJP politicians are corrupt, I personally want them to be jailed before anyone else, as the standard should be higher for the ruling party. – Venkat Iyer

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The question is not the timing of the raids but where the funds came from for a massive mall and three big farmhouses in Delhi, apart from other properties. Bihar is a poor state and these assets are disproportionate to the Yadavs’ known sources of income. So stop fearing for democracy, corrupt people should be brought to justice.– Ram Malhotra

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Why does the timing of the raids matter? If he’s guilty, then this is already much-delayed action. His children have received all the privileges and are also following in his footsteps. – Narendra Zaveri

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Our country is known the world over for being corrupt. Lalu Yadav, Mayawati, Mulayam Yadav and their families have all faced corruption allegations, creating a bad name for India. All corrupt netas deserve to be in jail as the they have looted our country. A majority of our politicians are corrupt and the pack is led by the Congress. Fortunately, our courts are doing a good job of catching and punishing these politicians. – BS Mukhi

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The author should first ask himself how is it that Lalu Yadav and his family have amassed assets worth thousand crores. Lalu Yadav is a politician. None of his family members are businessmen. He has nine children. Even his salary as a chief minister or central minister would not be sufficient to support his family. Yet, his children have lived like royalty. One can tell even without an inquiry that he is likely to be corrupt. Don’t protect the corrupt. – Bhim Sen Singh

Shoaib Daniyal should know that Hinduism does not believe in proselyting or conversion. People like Daniyal always try to weaken Hindus by instigating Dalits and Adivasis against caste Hindus. These people, with active help from the Left, never highlight the misery and plight of more than five lakh Hindus who were driven out from their ancestral homes in Kashmir. After having suffered great injustice at the hands of the corrupt Congress for over 70 years, Hindus have awakened and seen through the Muslim appeasement policy and shameless vote bank politics of these parties. They will never fall prey to the machinations of the anti -national elements. – Ishwar Singh

Fitness check

These IPS officers must know that Central Armed Police Forces are commanded by them at the apex level and CISF and CRPF have considerable number of women officers (“‘New IPS rules use Bollywood as a benchmark’: Letter opposes bid to link promotions to fitness test”). So, how come the criterion of fitness has never been a problem in these forces? IPS officers must refrain from putting forth such illogical ideas. When the nature of their duty demands the highest level of fitness, no exemption can be granted to anyone.

The government must go ahead with the fitness-for-promotions proposal and implement it stringently. An independent board of highly skilled doctors should be set up to conduct the tests to ensure impartiality and objectivity. – BM Singh

Communal colour

Former DGP TP Senkumar should have cited statistics to back his claim about the rise of the Muslim population in Kerala (“A rise in birthrate among Muslims will change Kerala’s demography, says former state police chief”). It’s true that the population growth of Muslims in the state is high when compared to Hindus and Christians, but it has reduced over the years. Over time, the community is moving towards the two-child or one-child norm. Senkumar’s statement seems to be tinged with communal bias. – Rajeev Muringayil

Even a thorough reading of 70-odd pages of the judgment does not give one the slightest inkling of what happened to the allegations that prompted the suo motu proceedings.

As a commoner, I have heard a basic principle of jurisprudence: nobody can be judge in his own cause. But, we increasingly see that judges don’t hesitate in giving administrative or judicial orders hurriedly in their own cause or without due notice to parties, on the slightest provocation.

With the erosion of various wings in running of the nation, judiciary became a last hope in restoring orderliness in our system through judicial activism. But, the lack of corrective procedures or laws to handle situations like that posed by Justice Karnan and the judiciary’s own refusal to acknowledge the need for reforms hints at only one thing: that the Indian judiciary is as fallible as any other wing of administration and governance. So, it needs its checks and balances, as any other entity. – SS Mishra

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This article is exceptionally brilliant. I have said right from the beginning that it is the opaque collegium system that is more to blame than justice Karnan. – Mahesh Nayak

Ten awesome TV shows to get over your post-GoT blues

With those withdrawal symptoms kicking in, all you need is a good rebound show.

Hangovers tend to have a debilitating effect on various human faculties, but a timely cure can ease that hollow feeling generally felt in the pit of the stomach. The Game of Thrones Season 7 finale has left us with that similar empty feeling, worsened by an official statement on the 16-month-long wait to witness The Great War. That indeed is a long time away from our friends Dany, Jon, Queen C and even sweet, sweet Podrick. While nothing can quite replace the frosty thrill of Game of Thrones, here’s a list of awesome shows, several having won multiple Emmy awards, that are sure to vanquish those nasty withdrawal symptoms:

1. Billions

There is no better setting for high stakes white collar crime than the Big Apple. And featuring a suited-up Paul Giamatti going head-to-head with the rich and ruthless Damien Lewis in New York, what’s not to like? Only two seasons young, this ShowTime original series promises a wolf-of-wall-street style showcase of power, corruption and untold riches. Billions is a great high-octane drama option if you want to keep the momentum going post GoT.

2. Westworld

What do you get when the makers of the Dark Knight Trilogy and the studio behind Game of Thrones collaborate to remake a Michael Crichton classic? Westworld brings together two worlds: an imagined future and the old American West, with cowboys, gun slingers - the works. This sci-fi series manages to hold on to a dark secret by wrapping it with the excitement and adventure of the wild west. Once the plot is unwrapped, the secret reveals itself as a genius interpretation of human nature and what it means to be human. Regardless of what headspace you’re in, this Emmy-nominated series will absorb you in its expansive and futuristic world. If you don’t find all of the above compelling enough, you may want to watch Westworld simply because George RR Martin himself recommends it! Westworld will return for season 2 in the spring of 2018.

3. Big Little Lies

It’s a distinct possibility that your first impressions of this show, whether you form those from the trailer or opening sequence, will make you think this is just another sun-kissed and glossy Californian drama. Until, the dark theme of BLL descends like an eerie mist, that is. With the serious acting chops of Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman as leads, this murder mystery is one of a kind. Adapted from author Liane Moriarty’s book, this female-led show has received accolades for shattering the one-dimensional portrayal of women on TV. Despite the stellar star cast, this Emmy-nominated show wasn’t easy to make. You should watch Big Little Lies if only for Reese Witherspoon’s long struggle to get it off the ground.

4. The Night of

The Night Of is one of the few crime dramas featuring South Asians without resorting to tired stereotypes. It’s the kind of show that will keep you in its grip with its mysterious plotline, have you rooting for its characters and leave you devastated and furious. While the narrative revolves around a murder and the mystery that surrounds it, its undertones raises questions on racial, class and courtroom politics. If you’re a fan of True Detective or Law & Order and are looking for something serious and thoughtful, look no further than this series of critical acclaim.

5. American Horror Story

As the name suggests, AHS is a horror anthology for those who can stomach some gore and more. In its 6 seasons, the show has covered a wide range of horror settings like a murder house, freak shows, asylums etc. and the latest season is set to explore cults. Fans of Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange are in for a treat, as are Lady Gaga’s fans. If you pride yourself on not being weak of the heart, give American Horror Story a try.

6. Empire

At its heart, Empire is a simple show about a family business. It just so happens that this family business is a bit different from the sort you are probably accustomed to, because this business entails running a record label, managing artistes and when push comes to shove, dealing with rivals in a permanent sort of manner. Empire treads some unique ground as a fairly violent show that also happens to be a musical. Lead actors Taraji P Henson and Terrence Howard certainly make it worth your while to visit this universe, but it’s the constantly evolving interpersonal relations and bevy of cameo appearances that’ll make you stay. If you’re a fan of hip hop, you’ll enjoy a peek into the world that makes it happen. Hey, even if you aren’t one, you might just grow fond of rap and hip hop.

7. Modern Family

When everything else fails, it’s comforting to know that the family will always be there to lift your spirits and keep you chuckling. And by the family we mean the Dunphys, Pritchetts and Tuckers, obviously. Modern Family portrays the hues of familial bonds with an honesty that most family shows would gloss over. Eight seasons in, the show’s characters like Gloria and Phil Dunphy have taken on legendary proportions in their fans’ minds as they navigate their relationships with relentless bumbling humour. If you’re tired of irritating one-liners or shows that try too hard, a Modern Family marathon is in order. This multiple-Emmy-winning sitcom is worth revisiting, especially since the brand new season 9 premiers on 28th September 2017.

8. The Deuce

Headlined by James Franco and Maggi Gyllenhaal, The Deuce is not just about the dazzle of the 1970s, with the hippest New York crowd dancing to disco in gloriously flamboyant outfits. What it IS about is the city’s nooks and crannies that contain its underbelly thriving on a drug epidemic. The series portrays the harsh reality of New York city in the 70s following the legalisation of the porn industry intertwined with the turbulence caused by mob violence. You’ll be hooked if you are a fan of The Wire and American Hustle, but keep in mind it’s grimmer and grittier. The Deuce offers a turbulent ride which will leave you wanting more.

9. Dexter

In case you’re feeling vengeful, you can always get the spite out of your system vicariously by watching Dexter, our favourite serial killer. This vigilante killer doesn’t hide behind a mask or a costume, but sneaks around like a criminal, targeting the bad guys that have slipped through the justice system. From its premier in 2006 to its series finale in 2013, the Emmy-nominated Michael C Hall, as Dexter, has kept fans in awe of the scientific precision in which he conducts his kills. For those who haven’t seen the show, the opening credits give an accurate glimpse of how captivating the next 45 minutes will be. If it’s been a while since you watched in awe as the opening credits rolled, maybe you should revisit the world’s most loved psychopath for nostalgia’s sake.

Available starting October

10. Rome

If you’re still craving an epic drama with extensive settings and a grandiose plot and sub-plots, Rome, co-produced by HBO and BBC, is where your search stops. Rome is a historical drama that takes you through an overwhelming journey of Ancient Rome’s transition from a republic to an empire. And when it comes to tastes, this series provides the similar full-bodied flavour that you’ve grown to love about Game of Thrones. There’s a lot to take away for those who grew up quoting Julius Caesar, and for those looking for a realistic depiction of the legendary gladiators. If you’re a history buff, give this Emmy-winning show a try.

For your next obsession, Hotstar Premium has you covered with its wide collection of the most watched shows in the world. Apart from the ones we’ve recommended, Indian viewers can now easily watch other universally loved shows such as Silicon Valley and Prison Break, and movies including all titles from the Marvel and Disney universe. So take control of your life again post the Game of Thrones gloom and sign up for the Hotstar Premium membership here.

This article was produced by the Scroll marketing team on behalf of Hotstar and not by the Scroll editorial team.